middaeg | [OPEN] march log

Entry tags:

[OPEN] march log

Who: viren & you!
When: mid-march, eostre fesival
Where: various places!!
What: dragon viren and obviously being the life of parties
Warnings: none for now!

i

[ there's an undead lizard? a wet, feral cat? blocking the path. taking a closer look at this thing, it's a bit hideous. at least, compared to its fellow dragons. its scales look mottled, patches of dark purples and blacks streaking through its coat, and its tail spiny and serpentine. its wings are equipped with unpleasant hooks, the wings' fingers elongated and sharp, their leather worn with holes. not even its fur manages a consistent lack of color. ]

[ but if familiar with the signs — it almost could look like it's cwyld-infected. it receives anxious glances from passerby, others nimbly giving it a healthy berth. it may be the size of a cat, but it does, apparently, have an innate skill in keeping people out of its path. that, and its lower half remains coated with mud, brought on by an recent heavy rain. ]

[ when the dragon appears to recognize someone, its pitch eyes grow wide. it trots near, leaving muddy tracks in its wake. ]

Excuse me. [ ... ah, it's a deep voice. the dragon sits, its head slightly bowed. if one can read dragonic expressions, it looks -- very reluctantly humbled, even if its tone remains lofty. its claws sink into the ground. ] I need your assistance.

ii.

[ his shifting, and the rains, eventually take their toll on viren; it's a fairly miserable existence he's been made to live this week, forced into a form that, while he's beginning to grow accustomed to it, he might also resent. ]

[ when the weather's beaming with brightness again, he crawls to a sunny patch of earth. one may spot a small dragon curled up into a tight ball, its snout tucked beneath a paw -- he can be found in some grass of someone's backyard, in gardens, perhaps even snoozing on a secluded bench. ]

iii.

[ viren doesn't think he needs a reprieve (certainly not!) from anything earlier in the month, but the crowds of eostre draw his attention regardless. even if it would typically be something much too noisy for his tastes, dragonic instincts win out, as they're prone to do—

and so he's found himself there some early evening, a cup of that sweet liquor in hand. perhaps consciously compensating for the disarray of the last few weeks, he's dressed neatly, pulling out some of his better clothes for the festivities. unfortunately, even if he isn't the main target (just a target), someone thinks to dump a flower crown atop his head. with the shape of his horns, it's almost like a fun (and very high stakes!) ring toss. a few petals fall to shoulders, some floating onto the surface of his drink. ]

[ with a heavy sigh, aggrieved as he is, viren plucks it from atop his head. he turns to someone near, ]

Would you like this?

[ or else, what with his accompanying gesture, it might get tossed to the bushes. ]

v. wildcard
( hmu w/ whatever — i'm at

kirbies if you'd like to plot! )

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ !!! this, basically. you can bet your butt he can continue to try to thrash, but as he fortunately lacks the energy to do so, his reptile brain has him succumb to semi-compliance. still looks bitey, though. ]

[ he scowls up at her. ]

I use... what I suppose you could call a "glamour," here.

[ the spell he uses at home is less an illusion; yet, still only skin deep as to its effects. ]

It's a ... side-effect, of my world's magic.

[The disgruntled look just makes her offer more skritchy scritches. Just because she loves annoying him, even with so many sharp teeth.

Guess Everett isn't the only one who likes flirting with danger.]

Ah, so this is the price you pay for using your magic. I see. Now, while it could be easy enough to mend the illusion...

This isn't the only side effect of your world's magic on your body, is there? You feel more irritable, more prone to violent mood swings, things of that nature?

[ the scritchy scritches will appease for a few moments, even if viren refuses to outwardly react in showing enjoyment. the question has his eyes rounding with some confusion (alarm), before they shut along with a low exhale. ]

No... nothing quite like that.

[ a bald-faced lie, that; it's that and worse.

but viren always prefers to downplay any negative consequences to his magic, known or unknown to him — he likes using it too much to also have to deal endlessly with others' protests to its internal impact. ]

It's an external effect; as you said, mended by illusion. [ a beat. ] What is that, an effect of human's magic in your world?

Mmmm.

[She's not entirely sure, but then again, if he's the one corrupted...he wouldn't have a clear picture of himself, would he?

She keeps skritching him though, even as she goes for scratching behind his ears.]

Illusions won't mend it, not with the fae population on the rise. But what I was describing was more akin to a certain drug addiction.

Mages who get addicted to power tend to get more obsessed and power hungry, to the point of madness and to their eventual demise. I'm the rare kind of mage that had plenty of will and survival practicality.

I don't know if something like that—again, with what I am familiar— would be as a result of willpower and survivability.

[ viren resists speaking with some sardonicism; he is still being helped, here, after all. his tail coils about one of her forearms — not roughly, but with how his scales have spines to them, they may be unpleasant to rub against. ]

But I am glad you are able to resist. [ ... that. resist that, he guesses. ] We've been through this — I would need power to help people, not for the sake of it.

It's because our power sources are completely different. So, I can only make educated guesses when it comes to you and your possible power effect issues.

[She feels it, and it reminds her a little of a snake. Somehow, with the uncomfortable press against her chest through her clothes...it felt a little like how their personalities scraped against each other.]

But yes, I wouldn't have lived long if that happened. If I was a complete egomaniac, obsessed with power, I would have had to be put down like a mad dog.

[Though...she still has to laugh quietly.]

You can stop trying to piss in my ear Viren. That you can help your people and those around you, oh it's noble, and maybe that's how it started.

But...isn't there that rush? Knowing that you can do something others can't? Maybe they fear you, respect you, need you for it?

[ isn't there?

it may be difficult to tell how viren's gaze drifts to the side in thought, what with its complete blackness, but for the slight shifting of the glint of light against reptillian eyes.

it does feel better, to use dark magic, he's always recognized that; it gives him the power to make change where others cannot, the beautiful ability, where others can only fail, to come to creative solutions. but they were fools, discarding magic (that could so easily be at their fingertips) just as they had with him.

because that's the problem. others don't fear him enough. they don't respect him enough. need him enough. ]

No... no! [ for a moment, his fangs clench, and then give way to a slumping of his shoulders. the dragon gives a vigorous shake of his head. ] You're simplifying things. It's not just power, Sokie: it's much more than that.

[ but, even if he had tensed, his posture relaxes with an exhale. ]

It's not something I expect you to be able to understand.

[It's easy to rile him up. Way too easy. She can help him while tormenting him, and she does, gently, quietly, as she takes him to her home, and up the steps to the door.

Though for a moment she did have to cradle him when he shook the bad thoughts away, much like a dog would shake off water.]

Of course I'm simplifying it. I don't have enough context to do anything else.

[After a few moments of unlocking the door, she walked inside, Viren in her arms. There was the smell of coffee, spices, and books.]

But if you really think I won't understand? Try me. You don't know me well enough to say that with any surety.

[He doesn't know how dark she's gone, or what she's done in order to be safe.]

No, but I know how you judge me...

[ his tone becomes indignant, followed by a huff. he's absorbed enough in the topic of conversation that he misses appreciating the scent of coffee, various spices, books; all things that he would like. he doesn't stop to ponder over what sokie is doing, either bringing him into what he presumes to be her home. ]

[ but he's compliant in her hold, even if tense. and even if he knows judgement may follow? well. that's rarely held viren back from saying his piece. ]

Magic... [ dark magic, yes, the only magic that he, as a human, could know so intimately. he's happy to unknowingly shift the topic. ] It's brilliant. Progressive. Ripe for inspiring change, making a difference in the lives of so, so many.

But, people would shy away from its beauty. People fear what they don't understand... [ spoken solemnly, now. or else, they do perfectly well understand it — that it's viren that's too close to it to be able to frame the bigger picture. ... he thinks they're wrong, naturally. ] You may think that I'm "pissing in your ear," Sokie, but that's what it is: something meant to raise humanity to greater heights.

You're a lot of fun to tease Viren.

[He's so touchy. But yes, sometimes she does judge him, much like an adult would seeing a child making mistakes. That is, reminded of ones own past deeds, and knowing how it'll turn out.]

It's funny. I do enjoy magic for its possibilities, certainly.

[There's a quick stop in the bathroom- for soft cloths, gentle soap, and a large towel- before she steers them towards the kitchen. It's neater then one might expect, but then, Sokie is particular in who works in the kitchen space.

Though Viren is not the first dragon that's used the sink, though it'll be the first time she's used it to wash one.]

And how it can make people's lives easier, save them, offer comfort...It's lovely. However.

[She's gentle in setting Viren in the sink, even as she starts the warm water.]

What does your magic need to become something worth using? What did it take from you?

[ viren's teeth champ together. he feels his heart sinking, somehow, with the question that follows. his brain clicks into overdrive; whatever the cost, that's rarely meant to be the focus, and he doesn't want it to be others', either. ]

You're missing my point --

[ well. however viren's 'point' was to conclude, this is lost as the situation rapidly changes course. ]

[ oh, that is water beginning to run.

perhaps it had been a slow dawning, the puzzle pieces clicking into place as sokie fetches soap, a towel. his fur begins to puff. the dragon's eyes have absolutely grown wide, his muscles tensing, stiff as a board as she had set him into the sink. aggrieved, ]

What are you doing?!

[ has sokie ever tried to bathe a cat? because, immediately trying to claw his way to freedom, this is a bit of the reaction that viren's having now. ]

Mmmm?

[He would have been great at his whole justifying the means rant, but he noticed the water starting up. Drat. She had been hoping his mental math would have distracted him for what was to come.

So she had to grab him by the scruff of the neck instead, with the ease of long practice. Seems she's bathed a few cats in her time.]

Washing you, silly. You're filthy.

Did you need me to give you a treat first? Because I am fine with bribing you Viren. I'm just not sure if you're a savory or a sweets sort of guy.

[ there is likely a very non-PG curse from viren, followed immediately by sokie's name. viren's neck may not have have the same scruff as a cat, but there's enough fur there to pinch a hold in place. he's weak enough that physical protests turn into a great deal of harmless flailing.

until they settle down completely, paws and legs twitching as they meet water. ]

It's sweets. But I don't accept bribes for your... [ there's a huff, seeking the apt words, his tail curling and curling tensely. ] unneeded intervention.

[ he had been a mudball. when he's less aggrieved, he'll admit this necessity. ]

[Luckily, his cursing made her laugh. Then again, she was a nasty girl, so it wasn't that surprising.

It wasn't that surprising that he gave up on thrashing for a little while.]

You're going to feel better once you're cleaned up. I'm sure of it.

Don't worry, you won't drown.

[She's going to have to change the water more then once, she can see it. She doesn't even bother with the soap yet; she needs to get the crust off.]

But you sure? I've done a lot of baking. I've made some really good spice cookies this morning-you likely smelt it when you came in.

[But sweets! Huh.]

But if you like sweets, does that mean you've had ice cream?

[Yes she's trying to distract him, since he might try to escape and scratch her up elsewise.]

[ admittedly, viren can agree. once this horrible bathing experience is through, he will feel much better; even in human form, he detests dirt even on his clothing.

the little lizard paws curl at being flushed with water, and viren can't suppress an involuntary shiver. his joints are stiff, but sokie will find him compliant enough that it's! possible! to complete the washing. ]

I've had that before.

[ it's good... ]

[ there's a puff of smoke from his snout. ]

Now, if you're trying to make amends for this, then... I will consider.

[He's not going to break into just scales; he's too fiesty for that. She's still have expecting for him to try to claw her way up her arm, so while her grip has loosened...it's still there, even as she gets the worst of the muck off.]

I mean...I could make amends with spice cookies and ice cream. Vanilla. I've managed to hide it from my room mates.

[But as she gets a soaped up cloth, she adds wryly:]

I doubt you'd be interested in having that though. Even after a drying spell.

[ of course, he would absolutely not be interested in that. never. he allows her to stir the muck from his scales. while the water is unpleasant, he always has to force himself to keep in mind that he is, really, going to feel much improved after this. ]

You could.

[ so viren scowls. ]

Trying to poison me, then? In this state, there are quicker ways to be rid of me.

I'm trying to offer you hospitality, you dunce.

[She huffed, even as she used the wet part of the cloth to wipe gunk away from his eyes.]

If I wanted to kill you Viren, I could have done it already. I'm not always here to attack and bait you.

Oh? [ cue probably a little hiss, especially as she wipes any dirt from his eyes -- ] Something new from you.

[ he twitches, brings his paw up to rub over his face to be rid of the sensation. ]

Fine! ... I would accept your offer of hospitality, Sokie.

It's new to you, because you're a nasty boy with no manners.

[Don't worry she's going to help wipe your cute little face Viren!]

And after all the kindness I've shown you. But see? It's not so hard!

[And she? Boops him on the nose.]

I'm going to scrub you down. After that, it's a matter of toweling you dry, and making sure you have something to eat before giving you some of my magic.

Maybe with enough, you'll be able to turn back, and you can borrow my clothes. You should be able to wear mine without a problem.

[ viren gets booped right on the snoot, eliciting a little furrowing of brows. this isn't the first time he's been booped on the nose, nor will it, likely, be the last. but as a small dragon? ]

[ yes. first. ]

I can dry myself.

[ he would give her an elevator glance, of the judgmental sort, but for the fact that he's currently being bathed in a sink makes this an inconvenient endeavor. ]

You're not my size.

[It's tiny and a cute snoot. Viren needs more snoot boops.]

With what, your tongue? The towel is too big for you right now. Plus, you don't have thumbs.

[She's just going to raise her eyebrows at him. He's going to judge her, while covered in (less) mud, and looking infected?

Yeah, this is hilarious.]

You're right.

I have more muscle then you. But, I think you can manage my shirts fine, all the same.

Just-- rolling around on it. The towel...

[ that was the plan, rolling on it until he dried himself. it hadn't been the most nuanced of ideas. ]

I suppose, I would only have to wear them a short while. [ there's a huff. ] I may prefer it to keeping this form much longer.

Won't your scales catch on the fabric?

[Though she has no problem in just watching him roll around like a puppy. That also sounds hilarious.]

You also know that I will keep treating you accidentally like a pet if you stay in that form, right?

Ear scratches and all.

[OPEN] march log

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